I have discovered The Final Civil War Diary of Charles B. Mead of Company F First U.S. Sharpshooters (compiled and edited by Elaine Purdy) Rutland Historical Quarterly Vol. 32 No. 1 2002 online. For those of you lucky enough to own a copy of Vermont Riflemen in the War (the history of Vermont Company F, 1st USSS), you have read the tribute offered by author, William Y. W. Ripley (late Lt. Col. of 1st USSS-WIA and MOH recipient for actions at Malvern Hill); recognizing Mead as a "young man of rare promise". Ripley selected portions of Mead's journal to include in the Riflemen book.

The journal covers the time when Mead recovers from his Gettysburg wound at home and returns to the Army of Potomac in the Spring of 1864. His entries throughout the Overland Campaign are, predictably, sparse-yet still filled with fascinating details. Tragically, Mead was killed while posted in an exposed position sharpshooting with his brother, Carlos, and another member of 'F' (one of the NY Indians who joined the company) on June 17, 1864 before Petersburg. Carlos buried his brother and kept his diary-only to have it confiscated when he was captured. The travels of Mead's last diary is yet another remarkable side story that I'll let the reader discover for themselves.

I originally purchased a copy this edition directly from the kind people who ran the Rutland Historical Quarterly back in 2000 shortly after its publication. It is wonderful to see that they have digitized some of their pamphlets so more people can learn about their late citizens who served in the Civil War.

Thanks for sharing this link. What fascinating reading this is! The details of the daily routine struggles of surviving camp life sandwiched around periods of intense terror make any reader's degree of respect for that brave young Vermonter shoot through the roof. Mead's diary is a treasure and a testament to the dedication, bravery, and determination of a special group of soldiers.

I discovered that the Rutland Historical Society has published all of Charles B. Mead's journals online. The one I first mentioned is actually his journal covering from October 1863 to January 1864. His second surviving journal covers from January 1864 until his death in June. I've enclosed the links to Mead's journals. The Historical Society regretted in 1998 that his last journal was missing. 4 years later it had been discovered and added to Mead's Civil War service. The last link is actually the first publication entitled: Charles B. Mead-A young man of rare promise that describes Charles earliest writings--indicating he is an intelligent and observant young man. Knowing his ultimate fate in one more tragedy coming out of the Civil War.

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